Skopje, 15 August 2023 (MIA) — Renovation and reconstruction activities are ongoing in 55 schools ahead of the new academic year, the Ministry of Education and Science said Tuesday.

The works are part of the state's action plan for improving teaching conditions, with the Ministry of Education and Science investing over EUR 4.5 million into projects including the construction of 145 gymnasiums and renovations of school facilities, the education authorities said. 

With financial help from the World Bank, 40 schools around the country are being renovated to improve their energy efficiency and hygiene standards as well as accessibility for people with disabilities. Another 15 schools are undergoing roof repairs, facade renovations, and classroom improvements including new furniture.

The renovations are in response to local self-governments' applications for state support, the education ministry said, adding that the state's "efforts to improve the educational infrastructure are intensifying."

"As a reminder, in 2022 we had a budget of over EUR 16 million for the same purposes, and over 94 percent of it has been implemented. Improving infrastructure conditions, along with the replacement of curricula and the purchase of new textbooks as well as raising teachers' work motivation through higher salaries and professional and career development opportunities are part of the ministry's greater strategy for improving the quality of primary and secondary education, adopted through a wide public debate and with the approval of all stakeholders," the education authorities wrote. ssh/mr